Prayer Focus

November 19, 2018

November 19, 2018

Region

Asia Pacific

From sprawling cities to remote jungles, God is opening doors for ministry across Asia Pacific.

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region extends from the windswept prairies of Mongolia to the thousands of islands scattered across the Pacific Ocean. Languages and cultures are diverse, and wealth exists beside poverty. Some people are isolated in remote jungles, while others live in massive apartment buildings in sprawling metropolitan areas. Yet within these diverse locations, the truth of God’s Word is transcending all barriers.
Although the church in Asia Pacific is growing, the gospel has yet to penetrate the minds and hearts of millions. Poverty, disease and illiteracy create many challenges for outreach. Frequent natural disasters increase the struggles people face. In some places, political unrest and government restrictions limit the spread of the gospel.
Within these difficult circumstances, God is calling believers to full-time ministry, and many are stepping into leadership roles. However, a number of them lack training and are not adequately equipped to pastor a church. Missionaries are working to bridge this gap by providing quality Bible instruction, and a few national churches have instituted mentorship programs. Still, a concerted effort is needed to meet the demand.
God’s work is not hindered by religious restrictions or government decrees. Throughout Asia Pacific’s metropolitan centers, islands and jungle villages, missionaries and national believers are partnering to share the gospel across the region.

Country

Japan

In Japan, one of the world’s most industrialized nations, less than 1 percent of the population knows Jesus Christ.

Japan

An island nation located in the North Pacific Ocean, Japan lies off the northeast coast of Asia. Its nearest neighbors are Russia, Korea and China.
Japan is made up of four major islands and many small ones. With mountains and hills covering much of the land, the majority of Japan’s people live in urban areas along the narrow coastal plains.
During the 6th and 7th centuries, Japan was greatly influenced by China. Beginning in the late 700s, it developed a flowering classical culture.
After World War II, Japan became a major economic power and developed a strong, rapidly growing economy. The Japan Assemblies of God was officially organized in 1949.
Although Japan is one of the world’s most industrialized and modern nations, most Japanese have little to no knowledge of who Jesus is. Christians of all denominations make up less than 1 percent of the population.
More than 84 percent of Japanese follow Shintoism and Buddhism. Shinto, which means “the way of the gods,” is the traditional religion of Japan, while Buddhism came to Japan by way of China and Korea in the sixth century.

UPG

Sasak

The Sasak are surrounded by beauty, yet the majority of them are plagued by poverty.

Sasak

The Sasak make up the majority of the population of Lombok Island in Indonesia. They live primarily near the fertile rice fields south of Mount Rinjani. The Sasak language is similar to Balinese and Javanese but differs in its written form. Sasak society consists of two classes: the revered nobility and the lower class.
Most Sasak are Muslims. Many of them save money for years or sell their land in order to pay for the opportunity to journey to Mecca. They make the sacrifice, knowing that when they return they will be highly honored by their families and neighbors for the rest of their lives. Many Sasak also practice the traditional beliefs of their people by worshipping their ancestors and the spirits they believe live in forests, mountains and rivers.
Although the Sasak live in beautiful surroundings, they are plagued by poverty. Access to medical care is desperately needed. Training in health care would bring about a better quality of life for the people.Teams of Assemblies of God believers are currently reaching out to the Sasak in a variety of ways. However, more workers are needed to develop consistent avenues for presenting the gosp

Prayer Requests

Week of November 19, 2018

Week of Nov 19, 2018

Africa

Please pray for staff and personnel of some of our Christian schools. There are many who are dealing with various issues in the family, the community, and the way of living. Pray for a recently built library at one of our schools — that we can get it operational very soon. — Gloria Biffert, AGWM missionary to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Asia Pacific

Pray for The LIFE Center in Kampot, Cambodia, a growing ministry to local university students. “Students lives are not just being touched by God,” say AGWM missionaries Ben and Kami Heilman, “but are being transformed by God.”

In our short time back in Indonesia, our nation has been rocked by multiple volcanic eruptions and frequent earthquakes, along with a devastating tsunami which was followed by an extreme phenomenon called liquefaction. This is where otherwise dry land becomes like water and swallows everything. At this time, 80,000 people are displaced, 5,000 are still missing, and 2,000 are confirmed dead. That is just the devastation on the island of Sulawesi. Lombok continues to rock and many have either lost family or lost their livelihood and homes. We continue to ask God to have mercy and restore hope to their communities. — Mitch and Tammy Wollner, AGWM missionaries to Indonesia

Eurasia

The strip of land between the sea and the desert that comprises Israel and Palestine is only the size of New Jersey, and yet it evokes more passionate discussion than any other spot on the planet. In the very land where Jesus walked, very few people have actually heard of the salvation He came to bring. Pray for Israel and Palestine.

Europe

Pray for Project Rescue's growing ministry in Spain.

International Ministries

The annual business meeting of the Japan Assemblies of God began with an encouraging scripture from the general superintendent, Pastor Fumio Terada. This week, please pray for these pastors as they conduct business that includes the election of the executive committee and general superintendent.

Latin America Caribbean

Now is the time for the church of Haiti to rise up. Pray for Haitian missionaries to be released to their nation and to the ends of the earth.

Northern Asia

Pray for the Buriat people living in Inner Mongolia. They are an animistic and shamanistic people with little access to the gospel due to their isolated geographical location.